Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info
World Cup 2022: Human Rights Panel & Family-Friendly Viewings
Berkeley, California (December 2, 2022) – This month all five Berkeley Public Libraries will stream the 11a.m. World Cup knock-out matches in their libraries. Gather in community to root on your favorite team in a family-friendly environment!
In addition, attend a virtual panel on Thursday, December 8th at 7:30pm that will discuss the ethical and human rights issues surrounding FIFA and this year’s host country, Qatar. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented human rights issues in regards to migrant labor in the lead up to this tournament, and critics have been outspoken about Qatar’s record on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights.
Panelists for Thursday’s event include:
- Alireza Azizi, Amnesty International's Country Specialist for Qatar, Yemen, and United Arab Emirates
- Jules Boykoff, author of several books on the Olympic games and the politics of sport & former USMNT soccer player
- Dr. Nasser Mohammed, publicly out LGBTQ+ Qatari physician
- Lindsay Barenz, President of Oakland Roots Sports Club & Oakland Soul, Oakland's professional women's soccer team
“Staff very much wanted to provide a free and family-friendly environment for the community to enjoy World Cup matches while also providing resources that contextualize the current FIFA World Cup controversy,” Director of Library Services, Tess Mayer, reflects. “One of the important roles of public libraries is to create a space to convene the community to explore ideas and issues. Thursday’s discussion and Q&A is sure to be lively, timely and informative.”
In addition to discussing the Qatar-specific controversy, panelists will address broader patterns of global “sportswashing” and how athletes and teams can be forces working toward social justice, locally and in solidarity with global struggles.
For questions regarding the panel discussion or World Cup viewing sessions, call Aimee Reeder at (510) 981-6104.
For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
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